It's been 15 years since Murinjov Inter shocked Guardiola Barcelona - one of the best teams in the history of football, having written perhaps the most memorable story of the elite European competition in the 21st century. Judging by the drama, excitement and other details, it was a match that is still talked about.
Inter and Barcelona met six times after that, each time in the group stage of the Champions League, but few people remember those games. They have little or no connection to today's, Flikova Barça with the then, Inzaghi's Inter also doesn't have much to do with Mourinho - a decade and a half has passed, there are new players, new circumstances, but the fans remember...
The Catalans have also welcomed a great opportunity for a rematch. They are not playing at the “Camp Nou”, which is being renovated, but they believe that “Montjuic” (tonight, 21 pm) will be a perfectly decent stage.
Barça enters the Champions League semi-finals on the heels of a big win over Real Madrid in extra time and winning the Copa del Rey on Sunday night in Seville.
So the match can leave a mark, but a positive one, in terms of motivation and self-confidence, is the confident message of German Hansi Flick, Barca coach.
- I see my players who are very focused on this game. Everyone knows how important it is to qualify for the Champions League final - says Flick.
Barcelona, five-time European champions, won their last European title in 2015, in the Berlin final against Juventus. That was also the last time they played in a final - a decade had passed, too many...
"The victory over Real Madrid is very important for the positive vibes and could give us an extra boost. We know we have to work hard to reach the final. It's everyone's dream to be in Munich on May 31st and we have to stay focused," added Flick, whose team also leads La Liga, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
Inter, unlike the Catalans, is entering the Champions League semi-finals in a negative mood and series. Three consecutive defeats - elimination from the Cup, loss of first place in Serie A, are the "pawn" for Inzaghi's team before the away match against Barca.
This is, after all, the Champions League, the final itself, the biggest possible scene - can the Italian champion make a turning point?
- We are not used to three defeats, and talking about corners, throw-ins, penalties, that is useless - said Inzaghi.
- We're away to Barcelona, we need to regain our energy. We didn't even have to watch their game with Real to understand what kind of team they are. We're going there with respect, not fear.
Inter, unlike Barca, almost reached the Champions League final two years ago, when they lost to City in Istanbul.
They have a more experienced, older, but also more worn-out team than Barcelona.
- We have to react, the situation is hectic, it's the end of the season, but a positive result can bring a turning point. We have to find it within ourselves - said Inzaghi.
The second leg is at San Siro next Tuesday.
Bonus video:
